Team responds to Denbighshire increase in Covid-19 cases

An Incident Management Team (IMT) has been convened after an increase of Covid-19 cases in Denbighshire.

The IMT will manage the situation and comprises of Denbighshire County Council, Public Health Wales and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Chair of the IMT, Nicola Stubbins, said: “We have been working together to investigate an increased number of linked Covid-19 cases in the county.

“We are aware Covid-19 is still circulating in North Wales and we would like to reassure residents we are working to reduce any further spread.

“This includes additional testing being on offer in the county over the coming days as well as an enhanced Test, Trace and Protect process.

“You can now go for a free Covid-19 test if you have a wider range of symptoms which include flu-like symptoms, not caused by a known condition, muscle ache or pain, excessive tiredness, persistent headache, runny nose or blocked nose, persistent sneezing, sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing and generally feeling unwell.

“Anyone who develops Covid-19 symptoms should book a PCR test at a test centre immediately and following a positive result, residents should self-isolate and share all relevant information with TTP tracers and advisors.

“We are also reminding those eligible and not showing symptoms to undertake regular lateral flow tests at home, which are free and can be ordered online for home delivery.

“This will help stop the spread of the virus and keep cases down.

“We are reminding the public they have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus and for them to remain vigilant and act cautiously. They can do this by adhering to Welsh Government regulations and by observing social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others – and washing hands regularly.

“We are really grateful for the co-operation of our communities at this time.”

Book a PCR test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test order a lateral flow test at www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

Current Welsh Government guidance states you must:

* Follow social distancing rules with people you do not live with or who are not in your exclusive extended household

* Wear a face covering (if you are able to) in all indoor public places

* Only form an extended household with no more than two other households and they should stay the same

* Not meet with anyone other than your extended household indoors

* Not meet with more than five other people in indoor regulated settings, such as cafes, restaurants and pubs

* Meet no more than 29 other people outdoors while maintaining social distancing

* Work from home if you can

* Minimise travel to areas of high prevalence

New gallery named in memory of artist who inspired it

* Suzanne Mathieson inside the new gallery named in honour of artist Dory Ross.

A new gallery in Llangollen named in memory of the artist who inspired it will open later this month.

Liverpool-born Dory Ross died in February last year and his partner Suzanne Mathieson says creating The Dory Gallery in the former health centre in Regent Street has helped her get through the grieving process. 

When its doors open to the public on Saturday June 26 Dory's own work along with that of four other local artists will adorn its gleaming white display areas. 

The couple moved to Llangollen in 2017 after identifying the building, which started its long life as a school in the 19th century, as the perfect answer to a lack of work and display space at their former home in a renovated cottage near Caernarfon. 

Suzanne said: “Dory used to have his studio in a wooden structure we’d built next to the cottage but after a while it wasn’t really working for him. He was running out of space to work and hang his work so we started to search the internet for something more spacious. 

“We considered lots of different places, some as far away as south Wales, and when we eventually found the former health centre in Llangollen we both knew it was right for us and the sheer size of it gave us all sorts of possibilities.” 

After taking over the property around Christmas four years ago the couple got a local builder to do some extensive internal reorganisation.

They also took on a few things themselves, including exposing the impressive wooden flooring in the old surgery’s reception area which had been covered up with plywood and laminate. This large area, now fitted out with stylish white couches, forms the main body of the new gallery. 

They also created a number of equally cavernous rooms off the reception area which Dory used as his studio and display areas for his large body of work. 

* One of artist Edward Bell's images of David Bowie 

which will be on display. 

Suzannne explained that at this point it was never their intention to turn the building into a gallery, although when local people began to take an interest in the renovation work and politely ask what was happening to their old health centre a number were invited in at the weekends to have a look around and check out Dory’s work. 

He and his partner were always more than happy to explain things and to talk them through the paintings and sculptures. 

Later other local artists began visiting and discussing Dory’s work along with their own creations.

“It became quite an artistic hub. We began to hang their work up on the walls and, although I’d never done that sort of thing before, I seemed to have a knack for where things looked best. Actually a painting will tell you where it wants to be,” recalled Suzanne. 

Everything changed with Dory’s death early last year which left Suzanne devastated and everyone who knew him stunned and saddened. 

Since then she has gradually been rebuilding her life and using the time left by her bereavement - and the pandemic which followed almost immediately – to carefully plan what should be done with the building they both loved. 

And now Suzanne, with the strong support of her friends in the artistic community, has put everything in place to open what she is proud to have named The Dory Gallery in memory of her late partner.

* A picture by artist Steve Lane hangs in the gallery.

A major consideration has been financing the thoughtful conversion of the building to accept visits by the public, especially putting in place the necessary Covid-19 measures, such as a one-way system for visitors and the usual hand-gel. 

Suzanne said: “That’s where one of our friends, the local artist Edward Bell, has been a massive help.

“He is quite famous for having designed a number of David Bowie’s album covers. In July he will be auctioning off some of this artwork and has very kindly agreed to donate some of the proceeds to helping me set up the gallery. 

“I’ve also gone back to my old job of mobile hairdressing to help cover the expenses and support myself.” 

Despite the running costs, Suzanne is adamant that she won’t be charging people to enjoy the gallery and its range of exhibits from Dory and four other local artists including Edward Bell, whose David Bowie imagery will be prominently on show, Lisa Carter-Grist, Keith Roberts and Steve Lane. 

* The former health centre which now houses The Dory Gallery.

“What I’m trying to do is build a bit of a legacy for Dory. He was never too happy to put his work on show in a traditional gallery way but I don’t think he’d mind what we’re doing now,” she said. 

“I’ve created the gallery in his memory and planning it all has kept me going. 

“I think he’d be happy to know that what we created here when we took over the building has now gone further and I know he’d want his work to be recognised. 

“None of Dory’s art will be for sale but the work by the other artists will be. 

“Basically, this place is all about education and putting it together has helped me through my grieving.”         

* From June 26 the gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am-4pm, and for details of Monday-Friday opening call 01978 860311. 

For more details of the gallery, go to: Home | The Dory Gallery

County's reminder to follow guidance and stop coronavirus spread

Denbighshire residents are being reminded to follow Covid-19 guidance to help prevent further spread of the virus.

With concerns surrounding the spread of the Delta variant, Denbighshire County Council is asking residents to do their part.

This includes following current Welsh Government guidance:

* Follow social distancing rules with people you do not live with or who are not in your exclusive extended household.

* Wear a face covering (if you are able to) in all indoor public places.

* Only form an extended household with no more than two other households and they should stay the same.

* Not meet with anyone other than your extended household indoors.

* Not meet with more than five other people in indoor regulated settings, such as cafes, restaurants and pubs.

* Meet no more than 29 other people outdoors, including in private gardens, public spaces and regulated premises, while maintaining social distancing.

* Work from home if you can.

* Minimise travel to areas of high prevalence.

* You must self-isolate immediately if you, or anyone in your home, is showing any Covid-19 symptoms and go for a test as soon as possible. 

Cllr Mark Young, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “While the number of coronavirus cases in Denbighshire remains low, it is vital we all follow the guidance to ensure we prevent any potential outbreaks.

“This includes booking a test immediately if you develop any Covid-19 symptoms and following a positive test, residents should share all relevant information with TTP tracers and advisors. Keeping information from them could endanger the health of your friends, family and the wider community.

“Residents are reminded to follow and observe social distancing and wash hands regularly and when meeting people indoors keep windows and doors open to help bring in the fresh air. The vaccine rollout is continuing and I would encourage all those who have the opportunity to get their vaccine to do so.

“Residents have made huge sacrifices during the pandemic and this has helped protect our communities and keep our friends and family safe and on behalf of the Council I would like to thank them all.”

You can now go for a free Covid-19 test if you have a wider range of symptoms which include flu-like symptoms, not caused by a known conditions such may be hay fever, including muscle ache or pain, excessive tiredness, persistent headache, runny nose or blocked nose; persistent sneezing; sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing and generally feeling unwell.

* You can find the latest guidance from Welsh Government at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and you can book a test at http://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test, and for further information on the wider range of symptoms visit https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/test-trace-protect/testing-broader-covid-19-symptoms/

AONB partners up for carbon offsetting project

* Walkers enjoy Moel Famau.

A sustainable adventure tour operator has partnered with the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on a carbon offsetting project.

Ruthin-based Adventure Tours UK has committed to plant one tree for every person that travels on one of its small group adventures or tailor-made activity holidays.

Almost two acres of land within Moel Famau Country Park has been designated for the new native woodland project.

Over the next three years the firm will assist the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to plant a range of native trees including Birch, Oak, Rowan, Holly, Hazel, Hawthorn, Cherry and Elder.

This new woodland at Tyn-y-Pistyll is expected to create an important habitat for a number of native wildlife species.

Claire Copeman, co-founder of Adventure Tours UK, said: “As a responsible tour operator we recognise carbon emissions are a major factor affecting climate change.

“We don’t believe carbon offsetting is a silver bullet, we must all reduce our carbon emissions if we are to halt the climate crisis we are heading toward. But we do believe tree planting to mitigate carbon emissions is a positive step to take.

“That’s why we have committed to plant one tree for every person that travels on one of our small group adventures or a tailor-made activity holiday. And because we’ve done our carbon measurements, we know one tree is far more than is needed to offset the emissions of one of our low carbon adventure holidays.”

Cllr Tony Thomas, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities and Chair of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Joint Committee, said:  “We are delighted to be supporting this project along with the AONB and Adventure Tours UK. Small woodlands provide many benefits to wildlife and are an important tool in fighting climate change and this project can help to sequester up to 400 tonnes of carbon per hectare.

“As a council we have already achieved a lot, we have reduced carbon emissions from our buildings and fleet by 15 per cent since 2017, the council now only uses renewable electricity for its own buildings after switching to a renewable only energy provider and we are on course of reaching our target of planting 18,000 additional trees by 2022.”

In 2019 the council declared a climate change and ecological emergency and the council’s Climate and Ecological Change Strategy which covers the years 2021/22 – 2029/30 sets out how it aims to become Net Carbon Zero and Ecologically Positive by 2030.

Coronavirus update from Welsh Government

 

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government, dated yesterday, is:

• Updated guidance – supported living and coronavirus: https://gov.wales/supported-living-guidance-coronavirus
• Easy read guidance: https://gov.wales/supported-living-easy-read-guidance-coronavirus
• Covid vaccination programme – stock and distribution statistics: https://gov.wales/covid-19-vaccination-programme-stock-and-distribution
• Latest results of the Covid Infection Survey (antibodies data): https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-infection-survey-antibodies-data-17-23-may-2021
• NHS beds, admissions and hospitalisations during the pandemic: https://gov.wales/nhs-beds-admissions-and-hospitalisations-during-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic
• The latest statistics on testing in Wales: https://gov.wales/testing-data-coronavirus-covid-19

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 223 newly-reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 213,411 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• There were no deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 5,570.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary  

• The number of people who have received a Covid vaccine in Wales is being published every weekday by Public Health Wales.
• The latest figures show 2,190,460 people have received their first dose.
• And 1,291,699 people have completed their two-dose course of the vaccine.
• https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary
• If you think you’ve been missed off the vaccine appointment list: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

• The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change in smell or taste.
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you must self-isolate at home for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You must have a test on day one and day eight if you have been told to self-isolate by NHS Wales Test Trace Protect.
• You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test
• You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result.
• Got a question about what to do if you’ve got coronavirus? Visit https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus 

Where to find the latest information

• Wales has moved into alert level one. More information is available at: https://gov.wales/restrictions-7-june-2021   
• The roadmap in and out of alert levels is at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-control-plan-alert-levels-wales

• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• If you think you’ve been missed off the vaccine appointment list: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• The Welsh Government holds a weekly Ministerial press conference on Mondays – these are televised on S4C and broadcast on our social media channels – this is in addition to the 21-day coronavirus regulation review press conference, which is led by the First Minister.

Further inspection due before decision made on town hall tree

* The town hall tree which is due for a further inspection.

Experts will continue their examination of Llangollen’s famous town hall tree in the next few weeks before a final decision is made on its fate, says the county council. 

A major row has blown up since it was revealed that the acacia on Castle Street was being examined to gauge its healthiness. 

Over 400 people have so far signed a petition started by Scott Felton which accuses “a group of town and county councillors of wanting to see the last remaining, perfectly healthy street tree in the main thoroughfare felled to make way for new vanity paving.” 

The new town centre paving is being proposed by the Llangollen 2020 group whose chair, County Councillor Graham Timms, recently said in a statement to llanblogger that the decision on the future of the tree was not in the group’s hands. 

Last Friday Denbighshire Council workmen were seen exposing the roots to begin an examination of the tree. 

The story has featured prominently in local papers and social media. 

Today (Wednesday) a spokesperson for the county council told llanblogger: “There is no decision as yet as to the future of the tree. 

“We are still in the process of organising an aerial inspection of the tree by a qualified arborist.

 “This should be happening in the next few weeks. 

“A health report of the tree will subsequently follow the inspection, upon which the future of the tree will be determined.”

Skates seeks renewed assurances about town's Barclays bank

* Clwyd South MS Ken Skates.

Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates has contacted the Barclays banking chain seeking fresh assurances about the future of its Llangollen branch.

In October 2019 he was told by Barclays that the branch - the last remaining high street bank in his constituency - would remain for at least another two years.

According to a story in the Leader, he has once again made the case to keep it open.  

* For the full story, see: https://www.facebook.com/477565668939623/posts/4613480875348061/